Above Ground vs In-ground Swimming Pools — Your Options Covered

There is no feeling quite like taking a dip in the pool at the peak of summer heat. Homeowners across New Zealand are every day discovering the pleasure and versatility adding a swimming pool to their property offers. A swimming pool is a place for the whole family to enjoy – a central feature of your backyard that serves as a place for old and young alike to relax, exercise, entertain, or just cool down on a hot day.

Pools come in a wide range of different designs and styles. Many of the choices you will be presented with during your pool ownership journey are purely personal, such as the colour, finishes, and even to some extent the shape. Other choices, however, have a much bigger impact on the type of pool that may be best suited to you. Whether your pool is an above-ground or in-ground model is one of these choices.

Above-ground and in-ground pools are both great options when it comes to pool ownership, but they do have some important differences that are worth considering. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key differences between above-ground and in-ground pools.

Installation

Modern pool construction and installation techniques mean that swimming pools are easier than ever before to install. Whether you opt for an above-ground pool or an in-ground pool, the installation process will be fast and easy. In-ground pools are likely to take a few days longer, however, due to the extra work required to prepare the site, although this isn’t always the case.

A particular challenge that may clients worry about is the presence of a slope in their backyard. Swimming pools need to be perfectly level to function, so installing on a slope can present a challenge. Luckily, this is an area where above-ground pools excel. Since above-ground pools are supported by a raised structure, they can be easily installed in any backyard regardless of the challenges the terrain presents.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Regular maintenance and cleaning involves many of the same aspects regardless of which style of pool you opt for. Keeping the water fresh and free from contaminants and pollutants is the same for both above-ground and in-ground pools. In-ground pools are slightly less prone to structural damage, however, since the key components and shell are not exposed, although this does also mean they are harder to repair if something does go wrong. 

Long-Term Prospects

Above-ground and in-ground pools are both a long-term investment in your family’s future enjoyment. You can expect both types of pool to last a substantially long time with the proper care and maintenance. Above-ground pools have a slightly shorter lifespan compared with in-ground models, but with a good level of care and the proper ongoing maintenance, you’ll be able to enjoy either option for many years.

Another factor worth considering is how long you intend to stay in your home. If you expect to move in a short to mid-term (5 – 10 years), an above-ground pool may be a better option as it can be removed for a fraction of the effort, offering potential buyers the choice of pool ownership.

Swimming with Narellan Pools

Narellan Pools has a long history of providing superior quality swimming pools to our clients in New Zealand. We have decades of combined experience in carefully creating unique and quality pool solutions for a range of backyards. The Narellan Pools range includes a variety of pool designs suited for any backyard – big or small, flat or sloped. All of our pools are manufactured in our state-of-the-art facility to ensure the best workmanship and quality.

Get in touch with Narellan Pools now to find out how we can assist you in selecting and designing the right above-ground or in-ground swimming pool for you.


We offer a lifetime structural warranty on our inground pools!